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Tag: travel

Kenting National Park: Beautiful Taiwan

Kenting National Park is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful places to visit. Known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs, and natural wonders, Kenting is a must-see when looking ofr the natural beauty of Taiwan. Chuhuo Kenting Shale is a sight to behold, with natural gas releases causing a phenomenon of burning to occur. This popular […]

Yangmingshan National Park: Beautiful Taiwan

Yangmingshan is located on the northern edge of the Taipei Basin and is known for its volcanic activity, variety of flora and fauna, and distinctly cooler weather than the nearby city. The Mountain Park is distinct from  most of Taiwan due to the volcanic activity in the area, which makes the soil warmer and less […]

Alishan National Scenic Area: Beautiful Taiwan

Alishan, or Mount Ali, is a famed mountain for its Five Wonders: the Railway, the Forest, the Sunrise, the Sunset, and the Sea of Clouds. Each of these Five Wonders could merit their own posts, but I’ll speak briefly on them. The Alishan Railway has three routes with carefully maintained steam-powered engines taking tourists on […]

Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area: Beautiful Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake is a semi-natural lake, and the natural body of water within the big island of Taiwan. The name comes from the shape of the lake, with part of the lake looking like a crescent moon while the other resembles that shape of the sun. The lake is such a sight to behold, […]

Taroko National Park: Taiwan as a Natural Treasure

Taroko National Park Taroko Gorge is perhaps the most notable natural wonder of Taiwan. The sprawling gorge cuts through the Central Mountains of the big island with vibrant blue waters of Liwu River contrasting against the marble and stone that lay beneath.  Not only is Taroko National Park a geological wonder, but it is an […]

Taipei Summers: 5 Ways to Escape the Scorching Heat

If you’ve ever taken a trip to Taiwan in the summer, it is no secret that the temperatures can be brutal. The humid sub-tropical climate can be unbearable, and if you are there for a good time, some days may feel like a struggle as you balance fitting in a busy itinerary and keeping your […]

Solgaard Review: Changing Travel

I started seeing their ads all over Facebook, Instagram, and just about everywhere else: “The Carry-On Closet.” I can not tell you how much this appealed to me.

In Defense of Dark Tourism: Learning from Our Dark Past

Photo By chelms varthoumlien

You may have heard the term “dark tourism” before. Its popularity has been growing, at least in the eyes of the media, over the past few years. Dark tourism is the act of visiting sites associated with death or suffering. Auschwitz, Chernobyl, Gettysburg, and the Catacombs of Paris are all examples of dark tourist destinations.    […]

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11 Day Back roads of Japan Tour with Project Expedition

***Note: meals are largely excluded on this tour and are the responsibility of tour members***

Days 1-2: Tokyo

There is no itinerary upon arrival until the welcome meeting which will take place in the evening. The first day will consist of learning more about your tour and meeting your guides. Day two is a walking tour of the fashion district of Harajuku. This eclectic district is popular for its eccentric fashion and youth culture. In the afternoon you will get a chance to visit Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the surrounding attractions. 

Day 3: Nagano

You will take Japan’s famed bullet train to Nagano before checking into your accommodations. The highlight of this trip is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you will get to observe Japan’s bathing snow monkeys enjoying a bath in the natural hot springs.

Day 4: Matsumoto/Nagano

Enjoy a day trip to visit one of Japan’s most beloved castles: Matsumoto Castle. Afterwards, return to Nagano to venture off to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s last standing pilgrimage sties. 

Day 5: Ōtsu 

Travel in the morning to Ōtsu for some stunning views of Japan’s largest lake: Lake Biwa. Top off the night with a delicious ramen dinner. 

Day 6-7: Hagi

Enjoy a quick breakfast before an extended drive to Hagi. You will then check into your local homestay. Pack for two nights as your remaining luggage will be sent to the next destination by your tour company. Make sure you pack comfortably for outdoor activities. This is a chance to experience life like a local as you meet your host family and take part in a welcome ceremony and dinner. 

Day two is an active day as you take a guided cycle tour around Hagi Castle. Afterward, you will have time to participate in seasonal activities with the locals. You will enjoy a homecooked dinner with your host family.

Day 8-9: Tottori

After breakfast with your host family, take a scenic trip by train on your way to Mihomisumi. There, enjoy learning the art of Washi paper making before hopping on another train to Tottori. 

In the morning, explore the unusual Tottori Sand Dunes along the Sea of Japan’s coastline. After that, make your way to the local fish market for some fantastic seafood lunch options. End the day with a trip to Kyoto to check in to your accommodations. 

Days 10-11: Kyoto

Take a morning trip to the well-known Fushimi Inari-Taisha, one of Kyoto’s many beautiful local shrines. This is where you will find the mystical  trail of torii gates along its trails. After this, you will have free time to explore what Kyoto has to offer. Recommended sites include a walk through the geisha district of Gion, exploration of Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, and a visit to Kiyomizu Temple. 

The next day marks the end of the tour. Public transit is available to the airport, or you can speak to your guide to help find accommodations if you wish to extend your stay. 

Sample of an 11-Day Intrepid Tour

Days 1-2: Taipei City

Take the first day to relax and unwind after your travels before joining your group for dinner. After a good night’s sleep, enjoy learning about Taiwan’s love of sweet potatoes at Sweet Potato Mama for some spud-filled activities. Check out Shilin Night Market to enjoy Taipei’s variable food culture.

Days 2-3: Hualien

Enjoy nature at Danong Dafu Forest Park before spending the evening enjoying even more street food at the local night markets (you may have noticed a trend). Visit Qingshui cliff before venturing off to the famous Taroko Gorge.

Day 5: Yilan

Visit one of Yilan’s well-known onion farms to learn about the agriculture behind them before learning to make a Taiwanese favorite: scallion pancakes!

Day 6: Turtle Island and Jiufen

Set out on a 3-hour cruise around Turtle Island before travelling off to Jiufen, famed by Hayao Miyazaki as the inspiration for Spirited Away. You will be able to explore Old Street on your own. My suggestion: Eat everything ,try lots of samples, and make time for tea at the famous Teahouse.

Days 7-8: Sun Moon Lake

You’ll get to hike from the base of the mountainous area through the trails that snake up the mountain. You can then climb the Pagoda which marks the end of your trek for some incredible views. The next day you will get to explore the Chung Tai Chan Monastery for a unique, cross-cultural experience.

Day 9: Taichung

Visit Taiwan’s “Breadbasket”, where you can go oyster picking, bird watching, and exploring the water-life of the area. Try some incredible seafood and maybe even go out after returning to you accommodations near — Oh look, it’s near another night market!

Days 10-11: Taipei

Visit the Rainbow Village before heading back to the city you started in. You’ll get to see the massive collection of traditional art and artifacts contained within the National Palace Museum before taking the evening for yourself. After breakfast in the morning,  Your tour will end.